MODERN PHILIPPINE ARCHITECTURE ERA (1898 – PRESENT)

1. American Colonial Period (1898-1946): The American occupation of the Philippines brought in
new architectural styles such as the American Colonial, Art Deco, and the International Style.
Public buildings, such as schools and government offices, were constructed in the American
Colonial style, while private homes were built in the Art Deco style.
 Notable architectural examples: The Legislative Building (now the National Museum of
Fine Arts) in Manila, which is an example of American Colonial architecture; The Art
Deco-style Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
 Notable architects: William Parsons and Daniel Burnham, both of whom were
responsible for designing public buildings in Manila during the American colonial period.

2. Post-War Period (1946-1972): After World War II, the Philippines experienced a period of
rebuilding and modernization. This led to the construction of large-scale buildings, such as high-
rise buildings, office buildings, and public housing projects. The International Style, characterized
by simple shapes and functional design, became popular during this time.
 Notable architectural examples: The Cultural Center of the Philippines, designed by
Leandro Locsin in the International Style; The Philippine International Convention
Center, designed by Oscar Zalameda and Jose Pedro Recio, also in the International
Style.
 Notable architects: Leandro Locsin, who was one of the most prominent architects of
the post-war period and is known for his modernist designs; Oscar Zalameda and Jose
Pedro Recio, who were responsible for designing several large-scale public buildings
during this period.

3. Marcos Era (1972-1986): During the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos, a number of large-
scale public works projects were undertaken, including the construction of the Cultural Center
of the Philippines, the Folk Arts Theater, and the Coconut Palace by Francisco Manosa. The
architecture of this era was characterized by grandiose designs and a focus on showcasing the
country's wealth and power.
 Notable architectural examples: The Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Folk Arts
Theater and the Coconut Palace, all of which were designed by Leandro Locsin and
showcase grandiose designs.
 Notable architects: Leandro Locsin, who was responsible for designing several large-
scale public buildings during this period and was heavily influenced by the regime's
focus on showcasing the country's wealth and power.

4. Post-Marcos Era (1986-present): After the fall of the Marcos regime, the Philippines has seen a
renewed focus on sustainable and socially responsible architecture. This has led to the increased
use of locally-sourced materials and the incorporation of traditional architectural elements, such
as the bahay kubo, into modern designs. The use of green building techniques and the
promotion of mixed-use, transit-oriented development have also become popular in recent
years.
  Notable architectural examples: Greenbelt Chapel in Makati, designed by Felino Palafox
Jr. which is an example of sustainable design and the integration of traditional elements;
The Mind Museum in Taguig, designed by James Stewart Polshek and Carlos Arnaiz, and
it showcase the integration of technology and nature in its design.
 Notable architects: Felino Palafox Jr. who is known for his sustainable designs and the
integration of traditional elements into modern architecture; James Stewart Polshek and
Carlos Arnaiz, who are known for their use of technology and nature in their designs.

5. Contemporary Architecture in Philippines: With the advancements in technology and the

increasing trend of globalization, contemporary Philippine architecture has been marked by the
blending of traditional and modern elements. It is also characterized by the use of sustainable
materials, green design, and innovative technologies. The use of biophilic design and the
integration of nature into buildings is also increasingly popular in contemporary architecture in
Philippines.
 Notable architectural examples: The W office tower in Bonifacio Global City, designed by
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it represents the trend of blending traditional and modern
elements, as well as the use of sustainable materials and green design; The SEDA Hotel in
Cebu, designed by W.V. Coscolluela Associates which is an example of biophilic design,
integration of nature into buildings, and use of locally-sourced materials.
 Notable architects: W.V. Coscolluela Associates, known for their innovative and sustainable
designs; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a renowned international architectural firm that has
completed several notable projects in the Philippines.

LIST OF MOST NOTABLE ARCHITECTS IN THE MODERN ERA

a) Juan Arellano (1888-1960) - known for designing the Manila Metropolitan Theater and the Jones
Bridge
b) Carlos Arguelles (1888-1949) - known for designing the Manila Central Post Office Building
c) Juan Nakpil (1899-1986) - known for designing the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus
and the Cultural Center of the Philippines
d) Jose Maria Zaragoza (1899-1968) - known for designing the Manila Central Post Office Building
and the Philippine General Hospital
e) Pablo Antonio (1902-1975) - known for his Art Deco designs and for being a pioneer of modern
architecture in the Philippines
f) Felipe Roxas (1903-1977) - known for designing the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus
and the Far Eastern University
g) Gabriel Formoso (1905-1984) - known for designing the Meralco Building and the Philamlife
Tower
h) Carlos Santos-Viola (1907-1997) - known for designing the Philippine International Convention
Center
i) Leandro Locsin (1928-1994) - known for designing the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Folk
Arts Theater, and the Coconut Palace
j) Jose Pedro Recio (1923-1997) - known for designing the Philippine International Convention
Center
k) Cesar Concio (1931-2017) - known for designing the SM Megamall and the SM North EDSA
l) Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa (1931-2019) - known for his use of traditional Filipino architectural
elements in modern designs, such as the Coconut Palace and the Bahay na Tisa
m) Felino Palafox Jr. (born 1951) - known for his sustainable designs and the integration of
traditional elements into modern architecture
n) Pablo S. Antonio Jr. (1933-2018) - known for his modernist designs and for being a pioneer of
the Philippine Brutalist architecture
o) Teddy Moncas (1937-2012) - known for designing the Makati Stock Exchange and the Philamlife
Tower
p) Jose Antonio Leviste (1937-2021) - known for designing the Pacific Plaza Towers and the
Philamlife Tower
q) William Coscolluela (born 1950) - known for his sustainable designs and the integration of
traditional elements into modern architecture
r) Paulo Alcazaren (born 1955) - known for his sustainable designs and for promoting green
architecture in the Philippines
s) Ed Calma (born 1957) - known for his use of sustainable materials and green design in his
projects
t) Royal Pineda (born 1963) - known for his modernist designs and for promoting sustainable
architecture in the Philippines
u) Budji Layug (born 1949) - known for his contemporary and sustainable designs, and for
promoting Filipino identity in architecture.
v) W.V Coscolluela Associates - known for their innovative and sustainable designs
w) James Stewart Polshek - known for his use of technology and nature in his designs
x) Skidmore, Owings & Merrill - an international architectural firm known for their notable projects
in the Philippines.